Electrical distribution panel including first non-critical load bus and second critical load bus

Abstract

A load center includes an enclosure, a first power input, a second power input, a first circuit breaker having a line terminal electrically connected to the first power input and a load terminal, a first bus electrically connected to the load terminal, a number of independent second circuit breakers powered from the first bus, a second bus, a number of independent third circuit breakers powered from the second bus, and a transfer switch having a first input electrically connected to the first bus, a second input electrically connected to the second power input, and an output electrically connected to the second bus. The transfer switch selectively electrically connects one of its first and second inputs to its output. The first bus and the second circuit breakers power only a number of non-critical loads. The second bus and the third circuit breakers power only a number of critical loads.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention pertains generally to electrical distribution panels and, more particularly, to electrical distribution panels accommodating non-critical loads and critical loads being supplied with power from a second power source in response to power from a first power source becoming unacceptable.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]Electrical distribution panels, such as load centers, incorporate a plurality of circuit breakers and provide a safe and controllable distribution of electric power. Such load centers have become a common feature in both residential and commercial applications. Increasingly, such load centers are utilized in installations that incorporate, for example, an electric generator as a second power source in the event that a utility service serving as a first power source fails or becomes unacceptable.[0005]With technological progress resulting in ever more uses for electricity, the amount of ele...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]There is further a need for such reconfigurable electrical distribution panels that do not require unnecessary costs or components when initially configured for operation from a single power source or when reconfigured to also provide operation from a second power source.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, relatively larger electric generators present various disadvantages over relatively smaller electric generators.

While smaller electric generators are typically air cooled, larger electric generators typically require a liquid cooling system with a circulation pump and radiator, thereby adding to both the costs and complexities of operating and maintaining a larger generator in comparison to a smaller generator.

Larger generators also require relatively larger quantities of maintenance fluids, including lubrication oil and coolant liquid.

However, it requires significant time and effort to rewire a load center in order to electrically connect a backup power source, such as an electric generator or other auxiliary power unit (APU) (e.g., a device whose purpose is to provide electrical energy), to critical circuits in, for example, residential and relatively smaller scale commercial structures.

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